Needs Document information: With respect to putting together a needs document, here are components that can or should be included:

Define the business need What you need to do | Points to consider | Determine what the organization wants to be able to do. Example: improve efficiency, provide a better quality service. Identify who could provide the requirement; consider potential options for meeting the need. | Important to explore a wide range of possibilities. May need to consider: • customer focus• new ways of working• changes to existing processes Seek expert independent advice if the requirement is not well understood / uncertain. |

Establish the requirement in business terms What you need to do | Points to consider | Determine what would meet the need, in business terms.Challenge assumptions - e.g. if providing office workspace for x staff, do they all have to be accommodated all the time? Would other options meet the need? Produce estimates; outline the benefits; make choices relating to risk - e.g. if the benefits are significant, is it worthwhile taking on more risk in a structured way? | Things to think about - what trade-offs? Broad cost / benefit / risk; need for expert advice. |

Produce requirements specification What you need to do | Points to consider | In consultation with stakeholders, develop requirements specification. Provide sufficient detail to allow the market to respond, while allowing scope for innovation where appropriate. You should normally use an output based specification that focuses on what you want, not how to provide it. But note that in certain circumstances it may be essential for you to specify exactly what is required in detail e.g. for specialized laboratory equipment or to meet a specific environmental condition. Revisit budgetary estimates: costs will need to be